$1,900 Tip For Waitress, Alleged Serial Killer | Top News

Patch has 32 sites in communities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week.

VA Shopping Cart Serial Killer: 4 Victims Found, More Suspected

Fairfax County police and Harrisonburg police are investigating a man accused of serial killings, dubbed the "Shopping Cart Killer," with four victims identified so far. The suspect is behind bars, according to Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis.

Fairfax High School Students Stage Walkout Over Alleged Assault

Hundreds of students at Fairfax High School staged a walkout Thursday morning to protest an incident at the school earlier in the week, where a student allegedly was called racial slurs and had her hijab removed by another student.

$1,900 Tip Left By Group Of Diners At Virginia IHOP

A lucky waitress in Ashburn received a $1,900 tip this week. Tanya Johnson and 18 other diners each left a $100 tip for their waitress on Wednesday morning.

First 7000-Series Metrorail Trains Return To Service On Friday

The first 7000-series Metro trains reentered service Thursday under new safety inspection protocols, according to a post on Metro's official Twitter account.

Robert E. Lee Time Capsule Mystery Possibly Solved In Richmond

Crews may have finally found the time capsule from 1887 that was believed to be inside the pedestal of the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue in Richmond.

First Cases Of Omicron Variant Identified In District Of Columbia

Four cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant have been detected in Washington, D.C., the first confirmed cases of the variant in the District, health officials said Sunday afternoon.

More Threats Reported At Fred Lynn, Potomac Shores Middle Schools

More threats were reported at Prince William County Schools on Sunday and Monday. Though authorities determined that the treats were not credible, there will still be an increased security presence at Fred Lynn Middle School and Potomac Shores Middle School on Monday.

Recall Petition Submitted For Springfield School Board Rep

Open FCPS Coalition, a group of Fairfax County parents formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in support of in-person learning, has filed a petition to recall the Fairfax County School Board's Springfield District representative.

Santa Escorted By Police Motorcade To Collect Toys For Children

Santa rode his motorcycle into the parking lot of the Fairfax City Police Department's headquarters just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday. He was joined by about 40 motorcycle officers who'd come to escort him on the 2021 Santa Ride.

Northam Seeks Tax Rebates, Elimination Of State Grocery Tax

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is proposing to offer one-time tax rebates to residents who file state income taxes in the state as part of his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, the governor's office said Tuesday.

Flying Squirrel Captured On Video Visiting Fairfax Windowsill

A Ring camera captured video of a flying squirrel visiting a Patch reporter's home just to the north of Fairfax City around midnight on Saturday.

Five-Star Personal Shoppers In VA, DC Ready For Holiday Season

Are you too busy planning for the holidays to go out shopping? Are you still hesitant about in-store shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Virginia DMV Expands Walk-In Hours Starting Wednesday

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is adding an extra day of walk-in service starting Dec. 15, when residents will be able to walk in for service on Wednesdays, in addition to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at its 75 customer service centers in the state.

Education Not A Partisan Issue VA First Lady Says In Arlington

Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam joined Arlington education officials and local lawmakers for a tour of the Montessori Public School of Arlington on Monday morning. The school is the first public standalone Montessori school in the state.

'Red Flag' Law: Fairfax County Officials Urge Public To Speak Up

Fairfax County launched a public awareness campaign Monday about the state's new "red flag" law, encouraging county residents to take advantage of the provisions in the law that could protect them and their loved ones from gun violence.

Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Sued By DC Over Jan. 6 Attack On Capitol

D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday against the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and several individuals who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Free Lyft Rides To Begin For Christmas, New Year's In DC Region

The winter holiday season is traditionally a higher risk time for drunk driving on roads in the DC region and across the U.S. This year, the SoberRide program offering free Lyft rides to keep would-be drunk drivers off the roads will kick off on Friday, Dec. 17.

McLean Girl Turns Baking Into Business, Competes On Food Network

When the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools in the spring of 2020, Churchill Road Elementary fourth grader and McLean resident Finley Sheers decided to take up baking. Little did she know, this hobby would become a talent that would land her a spot on the Food Network's Kids Baking Championship.

BASE-Jumping Grandfather, 70, Faces Criminal Charges: Report

A 70-year-old man from Sterling faces trespassing charges in connection with a series of BASE jumping incidents in Fairfax County, according to court records. Charles Moeser is charged with trespassing at different areas in April 2020 and October 2021.